Military Leaders Urge Congress to Boost Non-Military Tools
By Andy Amsler at 10 March, 2010, 10:59 am
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| General Michael W. Hagee, USMC (Ret.) |
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| Admiral James M. Loy, USGC (Ret.) |
Over 50 retired four- and three-star generals and flag officers are calling on Congress to fully fund President Obama’s $58.5 billion International Affairs Budget request. In a letter signed by 50 members of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s (USGLC) National Security Advisory Council (NSAC), the military leaders call the International Affairs Budget “a fundamental pillar of U.S. national security and foreign policy.”
Recognizing how important the International Affairs Budget is, the military leaders say, “The United States must combine its strong military with robust, effective civilian tools of international development and diplomacy to secure its national interests in an era when many of the challenges of the 21st century recognize no borders.”
The President’s FY11 International Affairs Budget request represents only 1.4% of the entire federal budget and less than 7% of national security funding. Knowing the great need that exists for more funding for development and diplomacy, the military leaders close their letter saying, “we urge you to support no less than the Administration’s request of $58.5 billion for the International Affairs Budget.”
Among the letter’s signatories are the USGLC’s National Security Advisory Council Co-Chairs, General Michael W. Hagee, USMC (Ret.), Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps (‘03-‘06); and Admiral James M. Loy, USGC (Ret.), Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard (‘98-’02). General Hagee said, “Our military works hand-in-hand with diplomats and development experts in meeting the challenges and responsibilities we face around the world.” Admiral Loy said, “From my time in the military and as Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, I know first-hand how important a smart power approach is to our foreign policy where we have robust development and diplomacy programs alongside a strong defense working together to keep our nation safe.”
Read the press release on the NSAC letter
View our list of National Security Advisory Council members
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